What to Expect

What to Expect

Click below to navigate expectations for each year of the program.

MSI Year: First-Year

Meeting Patterns: Classroom instruction once a week for 50 minutes. Lab instruction once a week for 2 hours with all other military science students. Physical fitness training 3 times a week for 1 hour.

The MS1 year serves as an introduction to the military. Students will learn rank structure, basic roles and responsibilities for each rank, basic rifle marksmanship, land navigation, and map reading. Labs will serve as the practical application for what is taught in the classroom. Students can take this course without incurring any military service obligation.

MSII Year: Sophomore

Meeting patterns: Classroom instruction once a week for 2 hours. Lab instruction once a week for 2 hours with all other military science students. Physical fitness training 3 times a week for 1 hour.

This course builds on the basics learned during the MS1 year. Students will begin to learn individual leadership styles and taking on more leadership roles and Team Leaders and Squad Leaders during labs and other field training exercises. Labs will serve as the practical application for what is taught in the classroom. Students can take this course without incurring any military service obligation.

MSIII Year: Junior

Meeting patterns: Classroom instruction once a week for 3 hours. Lab instruction once a week for 2 hours with all other military science students. Physical fitness training 3 times a week for 1 hour.

During the third year, students begin to develop their leadership abilities. They begin thinking on the tactical level. They learn small team and unit movement techniques. They are introduced to the Military Decision Making Process. This year culminates with the Advanced Summer Camp. Students receive both peer and instructor evaluations on their performances during lab and training exercise. Labs will serve as the practical application for what is taught in the classroom. Students must have a contract to serve in the Army after graduation.

MSIV Year: Senior

Meeting patterns: Classroom instruction once a week for 3 hours. Lab instruction once a week for 2 hours with all other military science students. Physical fitness training 3 times a week for 1 hour.

During the fourth year, students serve as the Cadet leadership. They can serve as the student Battalion Commander, Seargent Major, or other Battalion staff roles such as Operations Supply and Admin. Students are writing the orders and delegating responsibilities to the third and second year students. Classroom instruction centers on all the necessary skills required to be a successful Army officer. 

The below programs are encouraged for all cadets and mandatory for contracted cadets.

A row of students in military uniforms laying down to shoot at a range.
Training Labs

Every Military Science class has an associated lab. The labs meet one day a week where students can do hands on, practical application of the skills they learn in the classroom.

A group of students running at night in Army uniforms.
Physical Fitness Training

Each cadet takes part in physical fitness training which typically occur Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings before classes start for the day. Activities include running, weight-lifting, a road marches.

A group of students in Army uniforms outside.
Field Training Exercises

These usually occur once or twice during the semester for our contracted cadets. Students will travel to an Army Reserve or National Guard installation for a weekend.  Events will include weapons qualification, land navigation, first aid, squad and company tactics and movement. These exercises are meant to simulate real world experiences for the cadets.